This game may have only produced a single goal but it was entertaining throughout as both sides contributed to an excellent game of football. Austria settled more quickly into the game and it took Chile fifteen minutes or so to establish their usual pattern to the game.

Both goalkeepers were forced into some excellent saves in the first half but when the goal came it was from an unlikely source. As the first half moved into injury time a Chile cross was swung into the penalty area where centre back Hans Martinez connected from about ten yards out. Hit with accuracy more than power it was still enough to give Chile a half-time lead. A defender on the left post would have cleared the ball but there was none to be found.  

The start of the second half mirrored that of the first with Austria out of the gate more quickly. Okotie cracked one of Chile’s crossbar and when the rebound fell to Harnik his shot forced a great toe save out of Toselli.

Five minutes later Austrian centre back Madl was sent off for a second yellow card but Austria continued to press forward. However, with a more predictable and slow build up they did not create as many clear-cut chances as they should have.

In turn Chile looked to the counter attack and on more than one occasion they should have put the game beyond any shadow of doubt. Peralta was particularly at fault when he was clean through with only Lukse in the goal to beat. After pushing the ball wide Peralta was about to pull the trigger when the Austrian keeper picked the ball of his toe.

But there was still more drama left in this one. With only two minutes to go Austrian substitute Martin Harnik finally beat Toselli only for Martinez to save the day. He was able to block the ball on the ball and as it spun in the air back towards the goal line Toselli recovered to paw the ball away.

This was an unexpectedly good game with some excellent defending from both sides. Goalkeepers Lukse and Toselli produced some top-drawer saves while at the heart of the Chile defense the underrated Martinez and Larrondo were again outstanding. Both come from the Carlos Gamarra School of Defending that emphasizes the minimum of fuss and desperation. And finally a mention to Austrian captain Sebastian Proedl. The Sturm Graz centre back has already been capped for the full national team and we can be certain that will see more of him next summer as Austria co-host Euro 2008.

Oh and Padraig Harrington just beat Sergio Garcia in a play off at the British Open.